He was selected for the nation's second highest award for valor in combat for actions earlier in his tour to Sangin, Afghanistan. Abbate led his section of Marines out of an insurgent ambush after two Marines and a Navy corpsman were injured by insurgent bombs.

"With the patrol leader incapacitated and three severe casualties, Sgt. Abbate took charge of the situation and, with total disregard for his own life, sprinted forward through the unswept minefield to draw fire and rally the dazed survivors," the citation approved May 30 by Navy Secretary Ray Mabus states.

"Exposed and personally suppressing the enemy, he directed the remaining squad members' fires until they effectively suppressed the enemy and could render life-saving aid to the urgent casualties.

"After coordinating the medical evacuation, he then swept the landing zone for additional explosives before the patrol was again forced to take cover from enemy fire. Sgt. Abbate, knowing the casualties’ survival depended upon their rapid evacuation by helicopter, again rallied the patrol’s able men and led a counter attack to clear enemy fighters from the landing zone and allow for the critically wounded men to be evacuated.

"By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Sgt. Abbate reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service," the citation says.

Abbate is survived by his son and other relatives in the Fresno and Oakland areas.

In June when his mother, Karen Binion, learned that Abbate had been approved for the combat award, she told U-T San Diego: “I’m incredibly proud of him. I don’t know if proud is the word. But I am so impressed to know who he was.”

The ceremony is scheduled for August 10 at Camp Pendleton. The commanding general of the 1st Marine Division, Maj. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, will present the award to his family.